Method for producing secondary battery

ABSTRACT

A method for producing a secondary battery including an electrode body having a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, a prismatic outer body having an opening and houses the electrode body, a sealing plate that seals the opening of the prismatic outer body, and a positive electrode external terminal that is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate and attached to the sealing plate. The method includes a fixation step of electrically connecting a first positive electrode current collector to a positive electrode external terminal and fixing the first positive electrode current collector to the sealing plate, a first connection step of weld-connecting a stack of a plurality of positive electrode tabs to the second positive electrode current collector, and a second connection step of weld-connecting the first positive electrode current collector to the second positive electrode current collector after the fixation step and the first connection step.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for producing a secondary battery.

BACKGROUND ART

Prismatic secondary batteries, such as alkaline secondary batteries and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, are used as driving power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs, PHEVs), and other vehicles.

In such a prismatic secondary battery, a battery case includes a bottomed, cylindrical prismatic outer body having an opening, and a sealing plate that seals the opening. The battery case houses, together with an electrolyte, an electrode body including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and separator. A positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are attached to the sealing plate. The positive electrode terminal is electrical connected to the positive electrode plate with a positive electrode current collector interposed therebetween. The negative electrode terminal is electrically connected to the negative electrode plate with a negative electrode current collector interposed therebetween.

The positive electrode plate includes a positive electrode core made of metal and a positive electrode active material mixture layer formed on the surface of the positive electrode core. A positive electrode core-exposed portion without the positive electrode active material mixture layer is formed on part of the positive electrode core. A positive electrode current collector is connected to the positive electrode core-exposed portion. The negative electrode plate includes a negative electrode core made of metal and a negative electrode active material mixture layer formed on the surface of the negative electrode core. A negative electrode core-exposed portion without the negative electrode active material mixture layer is formed on part of the negative electrode core. A negative electrode current collector is connected to the negative electrode core-exposed portion.

For example, Patent Literature 1 proposes a prismatic secondary battery including a wound electrode body having a wound positive electrode core-exposed portion in one end part and having a wound negative electrode core-exposed portion in the other end part. Patent Literature 2 proposes a prismatic secondary battery including an electrode body having a positive electrode core-exposed portion and a negative electrode core-exposed portion in one end part.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2009-032640

Patent Literature 2: Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2008-226625

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

For secondary batteries for use in vehicles, particularly, secondary batteries for use in EVs, PHEVs, and other vehicles, there is a need to develop secondary batteries having a high volumetric energy density and a large battery capacity. In the case of the prismatic secondary battery disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a battery case needs to contain left and right spaces used to dispose the wound positive electrode core-exposed portion and the wound negative electrode core-exposed portion, and an upper space between a sealing plate and the wound electrode body. These spaces impose a difficulty in increasing the volumetric energy density of secondary batteries.

Like the prismatic secondary battery disclosed in Patent Literature 2, the use of the electrode body including the positive electrode core-exposed portion and the negative electrode core-exposed portion in one end part makes it easy to provide a prismatic secondary battery having a high volumetric energy density.

The present invention is directed to a highly reliable secondary battery having a high volumetric energy density.

Solution to Problem

A method for producing a secondary battery according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a secondary battery including:

an electrode body that includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate;

an outer body that has an opening and houses the electrode body;

a sealing plate that seals the opening;

an external terminal that is attached to the sealing plate;

a tab that is provided in the positive electrode plate or the negative electrode plate; and

a first current collector and a second current collector that electrically connect the tab to the external terminal.

The method includes:

a fixation step of electrically connecting the first current collector to the external terminal and fixing the first current collector to the sealing plate;

a first connection step of weld-connecting a stack of a plurality of the tabs to the second current collector; and

a second connection step of connecting the first current collector to the second current collector after the fixation step and the first connection step.

According to the above-described features, there is provided a highly reliable secondary battery having a high volumetric energy density since a stack of a plurality of the tabs can stably and strongly be weld-connected to the second current collector. Here, either one of the fixation step and the first connection step may be performed first.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a highly reliable secondary battery having a high volumetric energy density.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prismatic secondary battery according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a positive electrode plate according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a negative electrode plate according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an electrode body element according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a sealing plate to which each component has been attached.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view illustrating the first positive electrode current collector, the second positive electrode current collector, the current interrupting mechanism, and the surrounding area in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view illustrating the first negative electrode current collector, the second negative electrode current collector, and the surrounding area in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the process of connecting tabs to second current collectors.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating the process of connecting the tabs to the second current collectors.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the sealing plate after the second positive electrode current collector is connected to the first positive electrode current collector and the second negative electrode current collector is connected to the first negative electrode current collector.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a sealing plate to which each component has been attached in a prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 1.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the process of connecting tabs to second current collectors in the prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 1.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a sealing plate to which each component has been attached in a prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 2.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the sealing plate to which each component has been attached in the prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 2.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view illustrating the first positive electrode current collector, the second positive electrode current collector, the current interrupting mechanism, and the surrounding area in FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The structure of a prismatic secondary battery 20 according to an embodiment will be described below. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the prismatic secondary battery 20. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the prismatic secondary battery 20 has a battery case 100. The battery case 100 includes a bottomed, cylindrical prismatic outer body 1 having an opening, and a sealing plate 2 that seals the opening of the prismatic outer body 1. The prismatic outer body 1 and the sealing plate 2 are preferably each made of metal, and preferably made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The prismatic outer body 1 houses, together with an electrolyte, an electrode body 3 including plural positive electrode plates and plural negative electrode plates that are stacked with separators each interposed therebetween. An insulating sheet 14 is disposed between the electrode body 3 and the prismatic outer body 1.

A positive electrode tab 40 and a negative electrode tab 50 are disposed on an edge of the electrode body 3 adjacent to the sealing plate 2. The positive electrode tab 40 is electrically connected to a positive electrode external terminal 7 with a second positive electrode current collector 6 b and a first positive electrode current collector 6 a interposed therebetween. The negative electrode tab 50 is electrically connected to a negative electrode external terminal 9 with a second negative electrode current collector 8 b and a first negative electrode current collector 8 a interposed therebetween.

The positive electrode tab 40 is connected to a surface of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b adjacent to the electrode body 3. The positive electrode tab 40 is being bent. This configuration provides a secondary battery having a high volumetric energy density. The negative electrode tab 50 is connected to a surface of the second negative electrode current collector 8 b adjacent to the electrode body 3. The negative electrode tab 50 is being bent. This configuration provides a secondary battery having a high volumetric energy density.

The positive electrode external terminal 7 is fixed to the sealing plate 2 with an external insulating member 11, which is made of resin, interposed therebetween. The negative electrode external terminal 9 is fixed to the sealing plate 2 with an external insulating member 13, which is made of resin, interposed therebetween. The positive electrode external terminal 7 is preferably made of metal, and more preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The negative electrode external terminal 9 is preferably made of metal, and more preferably made of copper or a copper alloy. More preferably, the negative electrode external terminal 9 has a copper or copper alloy portion inside the battery case 100 and has an aluminum or aluminum alloy portion outside the battery case 100. The negative electrode external terminal 9 preferably has the surface coated with nickel or the like.

The conduction path between the positive electrode plate and the positive electrode external terminal 7 is provided with a current interrupting mechanism 60. The current interrupting mechanism 60 operates so as to interrupt the conduction path between the positive electrode plate and the positive electrode external terminal 7 when the internal pressure of the battery case 100 reaches a predetermined value or higher. The conduction path between the negative electrode plate and the negative electrode external terminal 9 may be provided with a current interrupting mechanism.

The sealing plate 2 has a gas release valve 17. The gas release valve 17 fractures when the internal pressure of the battery case 100 reaches a predetermined value or higher and releases gas in the battery case 100 to the outside of the battery case 100. The operating pressure of the gas release valve 17 is set to a value larger than the operating pressure of the current interrupting mechanism 60.

The sealing plate 2 has an electrolyte injection port 15. After an electrolyte is injected into the battery case 100 through the electrolyte injection port 15, the electrolyte injection port 15 is sealed with a sealing plug 16.

Next, a method for producing the prismatic secondary battery 20 will be described.

Production of Positive Electrode Plate

A positive electrode slurry containing a lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese composite oxide as a positive electrode active material, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) as a binder, a carbon material as a conductive agent, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a dispersion medium is prepared. The positive electrode slurry is applied to each surface of an aluminum foil. The aluminum foil has a rectangular shape and, a thickness of 15 μm and functions as a positive electrode core. The positive electrode slurry is dried to remove N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in the positive electrode slurry, whereby a positive electrode active material mixture layer is formed on the positive electrode core. The positive electrode active material mixture layer is then pressed into a predetermined thickness. The resulting positive electrode plate is cut into a predetermined shape.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a positive electrode plate 4 prepared by using the above-described method. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the positive electrode plate 4 has a body having a positive electrode active material mixture layer 4 b on each surface of a rectangular positive electrode core 4 a. The positive electrode plate 4 has the positive electrode tab 40. The positive electrode core 4 a projects from an edge of the body, and the projecting positive electrode core 4 a constitutes the positive electrode tab 40. The positive electrode tab 40 may be a part of the positive electrode core 4 a as illustrated in FIG. 3, or the positive electrode tab 40 may be formed by connecting another member to the positive electrode core 4 a. Preferably, a part of the positive electrode tab 40 adjacent to the positive electrode active material mixture layer 4 b has a positive electrode protective layer 4 d. The positive electrode protective layer 4 d has a larger electrical resistance than the positive electrode active material mixture layer 4 b. The positive electrode protective layer 4 d preferably contains a binder and ceramic particles made of alumina, silica, zirconia, or other ceramics. The positive electrode protective layer 4 d more preferably contains conductive particles made of a carbon material or other materials.

Production of Negative Electrode Plate

A negative electrode slurry containing graphite as a negative electrode active material, a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) as a binder, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as a thickener, and water is prepared. The negative electrode slurry is applied to each surface of a copper foil. The copper foil has a rectangular shape and a thickness of 8 μm and functions as a negative electrode core. The negative electrode slurry is dried to remove water in the negative electrode slurry, whereby a negative electrode active material mixture layer is formed on the negative electrode core. The negative electrode active material mixture layer is then pressed into a predetermined thickness. The resulting negative electrode plate is cut into a predetermined shape.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a negative electrode plate 5 prepared by using the above-described method. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the negative electrode plate 5 has a body having a negative electrode active material mixture layer 5 b on each surface of a rectangular negative electrode core 5 a. The negative electrode plate 5 has a negative electrode tab 50. The negative electrode core 5 a projects from an edge of the body, and the projecting negative electrode core 5 a constitutes the negative electrode tab 50. The negative electrode tab 50 may be a part of the negative electrode core 5 a as illustrated in FIG. 4, or the negative electrode tab 50 may be formed by connecting another member to the negative electrode core 5 a.

Production of Electrode Body Element

Stacked electrode body elements (3 a, 3 b) are produced as follows: preparing 50 positive electrode plates 4 and 51 negative electrode plates 5 by using the foregoing methods; and stacking the positive electrode plates 4 and the negative electrode plates 5 with rectangular polyolefin separators each interposed therebetween. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the stacked electrode body elements (3 a, 3 b) are produced so as to include the stacked positive electrode tabs 4 of the positive electrode plates 4 and the stacked negative electrode tabs 50 of negative electrode plates 5 on one edge. The separator is located on each outer surface of the electrode body elements (3 a, 3 b), the electrode plates and the separators are fixed to each other with a tape or the like such that they are stacked on top of one another. Alternatively, the separators may each have adhesive layers so that each separator adheres to a corresponding one of the positive electrode plates 4 and each separator adheres to a corresponding one of the negative electrode plates 5.

Preferably, the separators have the same size as the negative electrode plates 5 or have a larger size than the negative electrode plates 5 in plan view. The positive electrode plate 4 and the negative electrode plate 5 may be stacked on top of each other after the peripheries of two separators between which the positive electrode plate 4 is interposed e hot melted. To produce the electrode body elements (3 a, 3 b), the electrode plate 4 and the negative electrode plate 5 can also be stacked on top of each other by using a long separator while the long separator is bent in hairpin curves. Alternatively, the positive electrode plate 4 and the negative electrode plate 5 can also be stacked on top of each other by using a long separator while the long separator is wound.

Assembly of Sealing Body

With reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, a method for attaching the positive electrode external terminal 7 and the first positive electrode current collector 6 a to the sealing plate 2, and the structure of the current interrupting mechanism 60 will be described.

The external insulating member 11 is disposed on the outer surface side of a positive electrode terminal attachment hole 2 a in the sealing plate 2, and an internal insulating member 10 and a cup-shaped conductive member 61 are disposed on the inner surface side of the positive electrode terminal attachment hole 2 a. Next, the positive electrode external terminal 7 is inserted into the through-hole of the external insulating member 11, the positive electrode terminal attachment hole 2 a of the sealing plate 2, the through-hole of the internal insulating member 10, and the through-hole of the conductive member 61. The end of the positive electrode external terminal 7 is crimped onto the conductive member 61. The positive electrode external terminal 7, the external insulating member 11, the sealing plate 2, the internal insulating member 10, and the conductive member 61 are fixed accordingly. The crimped portion of the positive electrode external terminal 7 is preferably welded to the conductive member 61 by means of laser welding or the like. The internal insulating member 10 and the external insulating member 11 are preferably each made of resin.

The conductive member 61 has an opening adjacent to the electrode body 3. A disc-shaped deformation plate 62 is placed so as to close the opening of the conductive member 61, and a peripheral portion of the deformation plate 62 is weld-connected to the conductive member 61. The opening of the conductive member 61 is sealed with the deformation plate 62 accordingly. The conductive member 61 and the deformation plate 62 are preferably each made of metal, and more preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The opening of the conductive member 61 adjacent to the electrode body 3 does not necessarily have a circular shape, but may have a rectangular shape. The deformation plate 62 is shaped so as to seal the opening of the conductive member 61.

Next, a first insulating member 63 made of resin is disposed on the electrode body 3 side with respect to the deformation plate 62. Preferably, the first insulating member 63 has a connection part, and the connection part is connected to the internal insulating member 10. Preferably, the first insulating member 63 has a claw-shaped hook fixation part, the conductive member 61 has a flange, a recess, or a protrusion, and the hook fixation part of the first insulating member 63 is fixed to the flange, the recess, or the protrusion of the conductive member 61.

The first insulating member 63 has a fixation protrusion 63 a on its surface adjacent to the electrode body 3. The first insulating member 63 preferably has an insulating member first region 63 x disposed below the deformation plate 62, an insulating member second region 63 y extending from the end of the insulating member first region 63 x toward the sealing plate 2, and an insulating member third region 63 z horizontally extending from the end of the insulating member second region 63 y. The insulating member third region 63 z has an insulating member opening 63 b at a position facing the electrolyte injection port 15 of the sealing plate 2. An insulating member protrusion 63 c protruding toward the electrode body 3 is disposed at the edge of the insulating member opening 63 b.

Next, the first positive electrode current collector 6 a is disposed on the electrode body 3 side with respect to the first insulating member 63. The first positive electrode current collector 6 a has a fixation through-hole 6 d. The fixation protrusion 63 a of the first insulating member 63 is inserted into the fixation through-hole 6 d of the first positive electrode current collector 6 a, and the diameter of the end of the fixation protrusion 63 a is enlarged. As a result, the first insulating member 63 and the first positive electrode current collector 6 a are fixed to each other. A fixation part 70 is formed accordingly. As illustrated in FIG. 6, four fixation parts 70 are preferably provided so as to surround the connection part between the deformation plate 62 and the first positive electrode current collector 6 a.

The deformation plate 62 and the first positive electrode current collector 6 a are then weld-connected to each other through a through-hole in the first insulating member 63. Preferably, the first positive electrode current collector 6 a has a thin portion 6 c, and the thin portion 6 c is preferably weld-connected to the deformation plate 62. Preferably, the thin portion 6 c has an opening at its center, and a peripheral portion of the opening is weld-connected to the deformation plate 62. The thin portion 6 c more preferably has an annular notch that surrounds the connection part between the deformation plate 62 and the first positive electrode current collector 6 a. The first insulating member 63 and the first positive electrode current collector 6 a may be connected to each other in advance, and the first insulating member 63 connected to the first positive electrode current collector 6 a may be disposed on the electrode body 3 side with respect to the deformation plate 62.

When the internal pressure of the battery case 100 reaches a predetermined value or higher, the deformation plate 62 deforms such that a central portion of the deformation plate 62 moves upward (toward the positive electrode external terminal 7). The thin portion 6 c of the first positive electrode current collector 6 a fractures upon deformation of the deformation plate 62. The fracture causes disconnection of the conduction path between the positive electrode plate 4 and the positive electrode external terminal 7.

The leak inspection on the connection part between the conductive member 61 and the deformation plate 62 can be carried out by supplying gas to the inside of the current interrupting mechanism 60 through a terminal through-hole 7 b formed in the positive electrode external terminal 7. While the gas causes the deformation plate 62 to push against the first positive electrode current collector 6 a, the deformation plate 62 and the first positive electrode current collector 6 a can be weld-connected to each other. Finally, the terminal through-hole 7 b is sealed with a terminal sealing member 7 a. The terminal sealing member 7 a preferably includes a metal plate 7 x and a rubber member 7 y.

The first positive electrode current collector 6 a has a current collector first region 6 a 1 disposed below the deformation plate 62, a current collector second region 6 a 2 extending from an end of the current collector first region 6 a 1 toward the sealing plate 2, and a current collector third region 6 a 3 horizontally extending from an upper end of the current collector second region. The current collector third region 6 a 3 has a current collector protrusion 6 x on its surface adjacent to the electrode body 3.

The current collector first region 6 a 1 of the first positive electrode current collector 6 a is disposed so as to face the insulating member first region 63 x of the first insulating member 63. The current collector second region 6 a 2 of the first positive electrode current collector 6 a is disposed so as to face the insulating member second region 63 y of the first insulating member 63. The current collector third region 6 a 3 of the first positive electrode current collector 6 a is disposed so as to face the insulating member third region 63 z of the first insulating member 63.

With reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 9, a method for attaching the negative electrode external terminal 9 and the first negative electrode current collector 8 a to the sealing plate 2 will be described.

The external insulating member 13 is disposed on the outer surface side of a negative electrode terminal attachment hole 2 b in the sealing plate 7 and an internal insulating member 12 and the first negative electrode current collector 8 a are disposed on the inner surface side of the negative electrode terminal attachment hole 7 b. Next, the negative electrode external terminal 9 is inserted into the through-hole of the external insulating member 13, the negative electrode terminal attachment hole 2 b of the sealing plate 2, the through-hole of the internal insulating member 12, and the through-hole of the first negative electrode current collector 8 a. The end of the negative electrode external terminal 9 is crimped onto the first negative electrode current collector 8 a. The external insulating member 13, the sealing plate 2, the internal insulating member 12, and the first negative electrode current collector 8 a are fixed accordingly. The crimped portion of the negative electrode external terminal 9 is preferably weld-connected to the first negative electrode current collector 8 a by means of laser welding or the like. The internal insulating member 12 and the external insulating member 13 are preferably each made of resin.

Connection between Second Current Collector and Tabs

FIG. 10 is a illustrating a method for connecting the positive electrode tabs 40 (40 a, 40 b) to the second positive electrode current collector 6 b, and a method for connecting the negative electrode tabs 50 (50 a, 50 b) to the second negative electrode current collector 8 b. Two electrode body elements are produced by using the above-described method and defined as a first electrode body element 3 a and a second electrode body element 3 b. The first electrode body element 3 a and the second electrode body element 3 b may have the completely same structure or may have different structures.

The second positive electrode current collector 6 b and the second negative electrode current collector 6 b are disposed between the first electrode body element 3 a and the second electrode body element 3 b. The stacked positive electrode tabs 40 a protruding from the first electrode body element 3 a are disposed on the second positive electrode current collector 6 b. The stacked negative electrode tabs 50 a protruding from the first electrode body element 3 a are disposed of the second negative electrode current collector 8 b. The stacked positive electrode tabs 40 b protruding from the second electrode body element 3 b are disposed on the second positive electrode current collector 6 b. The stacked negative electrode tabs 50 b protruding from the second electrode body element 3 b are disposed on the second negative electrode current collector 8 b. The positive electrode tabs 40 a and the positive electrode tabs 40 b are weld-connected to the second positive electrode current collector 6 b to form weld-connected parts 90. The negative electrode tabs 50 a and the negative electrode tabs 50 b are weld-connected to the second negative electrode current collector 8 b to form weld-connected parts 90. Weld connection is preferably performed in the following manner.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the tabs (the positive electrode tabs 40 a or 40 b, the negative electrode tabs 50 a or 50 b) and the current collector (the second positive electrode current collector 6 b, the second negative electrode current collector 8 b) are sandwiched between welding jigs 95 from above and below. In this state, welding is performed. The welding method is preferably ultrasonic welding or resistance welding. Such welding ensures weld connection between. the stacked tabs and the current collector. In the case where many tabs are stacked, for example, in the case where 20 or more tabs are stacked, ultrasonic welding or resistance welding can form more reliable weld-connected parts than laser welding or the like because ultrasonic welding or resistance welding can be performed with the tabs and the current collector sandwiched between a pair of welding jigs 95. In resistance welding, the pair of welding jigs 95 is a pair of resistance welding electrodes. In ultrasonic welding, the pair of welding jigs 95 correspond to a horn and an anvil.

The positive electrode tabs 40 a of the first electrode body element 3 a are connected to one side of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b with respect to a central portion of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b in the width direction. The positive electrode tabs 40 b of the second electrode body element 3 b are connected to the other side of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b with respect to a central portion of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b in the width direction.

The negative electrode tabs 50 a of the second electrode body element 3 a are connected to one side of the second negative electrode current collector 8 b with respect to a central portion of the second negative electrode current collector 8 b in the width direction. The negative electrode tabs 50 b of the second electrode body element 3 b are connected to the other side of the second negative electrode current collector 8 b with respect to a central portion of the second negative electrode current collector 8 b in the width direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the second positive electrode current collector 6 b has an opening 6 z. After the second positive electrode current collector 6 b is connected to the first positive electrode current collector 6 a, the opening 6 z is placed at a position corresponding to the electrolyte injection port 15 of the sealing plate 2. The positive electrode tabs 40 a of the first electrode body element 3 a are connected to one side of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b with respect to the opening 6 z in the width direction of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b. The positive electrode tabs 40 b of the second electrode both element 3 are connected to the other side of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b with respect to the opening 6 z the width direction of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b. As the second positive electrode current collector 6 b, the positive electrode tabs 40 a, and the positive electrode tabs 40 b are viewed in the direction perpendicular to the sealing plate 2, portions of the positive electrode tabs 40 a and the positive electrode tabs 40 b substantially parallel to the second positive electrode current collector 6 b preferably do not overlap the opening 6 z. This configuration can avoid the second positive electrode current collector 6 b or the positive electrode tabs 40 a and the positive electrode tabs 40 b from interfering with injection of an electrolyte.

Here, either one of the following steps may be performed first: a fixation step of fixing the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the first negative electrode current collector 8 a to the sealing plate 2; and a connection step of respectively connecting the positive electrode tabs 40 and the negative electrode tabs 50 to the second positive electrode current collector 6 b and the second negative electrode current collector 8 b. Preferably, after the positive electrode tabs are connected to the second positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode tabs are connected to the second negative electrode current collector, the second positive electrode current collector is connected to the first positive electrode current collector, and the second negative electrode current collector is connected to the first negative electrode current collector.

Connection between First Positive Electrode Current Collector and Second Positive Electrode Current Collector

As illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the first positive electrode current collector 6 a has a current collector protrusion 6 x. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the second positive electrode current collector 6 b has a current collector opening 6 y. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second positive electrode current collector 6 b is placed on the insulating member third region 63 z of the first insulating member 63 such that the current collector protrusion 6 x of the first positive electrode current collector 6 a is positioned in the current collector opening 6 y of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b. The current collector protrusion 6 x of the first positive electrode current collector 6 a is welded to the edge of the current collector opening 6 y of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b by means of irradiation with an energy ray, such as a laser. The first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the second positive electrode current collector 6 b are connected each other accordingly. The second positive electrode current collector 6 b has current collector first recess 6 f around the current collector opening 6 y. In other words, the current collector opening 6 y is formed at the center of the current collector first recess 6 f. The first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the second positive electrode current collector 6 b are weld-connected to each other at the current collector first recess 6 f. When the current collector first recess 61 is formed around the current collector opening 6 y, the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the second positive electrode current collector 6 b can be weld-connected to each other without increasing the height of the current collector protrusion 6 x.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second positive electrode current collector 6 b has a tab connection region 6 b 1 to which the positive electrode tabs 40 are connected, and a current collector connection region 6 b 2 to which the first positive electrode current collector 6 a is connected. A stepped part 6A is formed between the tab connection region 6 b 1 and the current collector connection region 6 b 2. In the direction perpendicular to the sealing plate 2, the distance between the sealing plate 2 and the tab connection region 6 b 1 is smaller than the distance between the sealing plate 2 and the current collector connection region 6 b 2. Such a configuration results in a small space occupied by the current collection part and provides a secondary battery having a high volumetric energy density. The tab connection region 6 b 1 is preferably disposed substantially parallel (e.g., at an angle of ±20° or less) to the sealing plate 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the second positive electrode current collector 6 b has target holes 6 e on both sides of the current collector opening 6 y. During welding between the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the second positive electrode current collector 6 b by means of irradiation with an energy ray, such as a laser, the target holes 6 e are preferably used as targets for image correction. Preferably, position correction is performed by detecting the target holes 6 e on the image, and irradiation with energy rays is performed along the shape of the current collector opening 6 y. Each target hole 6 e may be a recess instead of a through-hole. The area of each target hole 6 e in plan view is preferably smaller than the area of the current collector opening 6 y in plan view. In the width direction of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b, the current collector opening 6 y is preferably aligned with the target holes 6 e.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a current collector second recess 6 w is formed in a surface of the first positive electrode current collector 6 a that faces the first insulating member 63 and that is located on the back side of the current collector protrusion 6 x. This configuration is preferred because it is easy to form a large weld-connected part between the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the second positive electrode current collector 6 b. The formation of the current collector second recess 6 w can protect the first insulating member from damage caused by welding heat during weld connection between the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the second positive electrode current collector 6 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 the lower end (the end adjacent to the electrode body 3) of the insulating member protrusion 63 c of the first insulating member 63 preferably protrudes downward (toward the electrode body 3) beyond the lower surface of the second positive electrode current collector 6 b around the opening 6 z. This configuration can assuredly avoid contact between the sealing plug 16 and the second positive electrode current collector 6 b. Such contact is effectively avoided when the sealing plug 16 that seals the electrolyte injection port 15 in the sealing plate 2 protrudes downward (toward the electrode body 3) beyond the lower surface of the sealing plate 2. The insulating member protrusion 63 c preferably has an annular shape. However, the insulating member protrusion 63 c does not necessarily have an annular shape and may have a partially cut annular shape.

The second positive electrode current collector 6 b has the opening 6 z at a position facing the electrolyte injection port 15 formed the sealing plate 2. The insulating member third region 63 z of the first insulating member 63 preferably has a fixation part to be fixed to the second positive electrode current collector 6 b. For example, a claw-shaped fixation part can be formed in the first insulating member 63 and can be hooked on and fixed to the second positive electrode current collector 6 b. Alternatively, the first insulating member 63 may be fixed to the second positive electrode current collector 6 b as follows: forming a protrusion in the first insulating member 63; forming an opening or cut for fixation the second positive electrode current collector 6 b; inserting the protrusion of the first insulating member 63 into the opening or cut for fixation in the second positive electrode current collector 6 b; and enlarging the diameter of the end of the protrusion of the first insulating member 63.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the insulating member first region 63 x of the first insulating member 63 is disposed so as to face the current collector first region 6 a 1 of the first positive electrode current collector 6 a. The insulating member second region 63 y of the first insulating member 63 is disposed so as to face the current collector second region 6 a 2 of the first positive electrode current collector 6 a. This configuration can assuredly avoid formation of a conduction path between the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the deformation plate 62 or between the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the conductive member 61 after the current interrupting mechanism 60 operates to disconnect electrical connection between the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the deformation plate 62.

Connection between First Negative Electrode Current Collector and Second Negative Electrode Current Collector

As illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the first negative electrode current collector 8 a has a current collector protrusion 8 x. As illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, the second negative electrode current collector 8 b has a current collector opening 8 y. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the second negative electrode current collector 8 b is placed on the internal insulating member 12 such that the current collector protrusion 8 x of the first negative electrode current collector 8 a is positioned in the current collector opening 8 y of the second negative electrode current collector 8 b. The current collector protrusion 8 x of the first negative electrode current collector 8 a is welded to the edge of the current collector opening 8 y of the second negative electrode current collector 8 b by means of irradiation with an energy ray, such as a laser. The first negative electrode current collector 8 a and the second negative electrode current collector 8 b are connected to each other accordingly. The second negative electrode current collector 8 b has a current collector first recess 8 f around the current collector opening 8 y. In other words, the current collector opening 8 y is formed at the center of the current collector first recess 8 f. The first negative electrode current collector 8 a and the second negative electrode current collector 8 b are weld-connected to each other at the current collector first recess 8 f. Like the second positive electrode current collector 6 b, the second negative electrode current collector 8 b has target holes 8 e.

The first negative electrode current collector 8 a and the second negative electrode current collector 8 b are preferably made of copper or a copper alloy. The first negative electrode current collector 8 a and the second negative electrode current collector 8 b each preferably have a nickel layer on their surfaces. A nickel layer is preferably formed on the surface of the current collector protrusion 8 x of the first negative electrode current collector 8 a. A nickel layer is preferably formed on the surface of the second negative electrode current collector 8 b at the edge of the current collector opening 8 y.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a current collector second recess 8 w is formed in a surface of the first negative electrode current collector 8 a that faces the internal insulating member 12 and that is located on the back side of the current collector protrusion 8 x. This configuration is preferred because it is easy to form a large weld-connected part between the first negative electrode current collector 8 a and the second negative electrode current collector 8 b. The formation of the current collector second recess 8 w can protect the internal insulating member 12 from damage caused by welding heat during weld connection between the first negative electrode current collector 8 a and the second negative electrode current collector 8 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the second negative electrode current collector 8 b has a tab connection region 8 b 1 to which the negative electrode tabs 50 are connected, and a current collector connection region 8 b 2 to which the first negative electrode current collector 8 a is connected. A stepped part 8A is formed between the tab connection region 8 b 1 and the current collector connection region 8 b 2. In the direction perpendicular to the sealing plate 2, the distance between the sealing plate 2 and the tab connection region 8 b 1 is smaller than the distance between the sealing plate 2 and the current collector connection region 8 b 2. Such a configuration results in a small space occupied by the current collection part and provides a secondary battery having a high volumetric energy density.

The internal insulating member 12 preferably has a fixation part to be fixed to the second negative electrode current collector 8 b. For example, a claw-shaped fixation part can be formed in the internal insulating member 12 and can be hooked on and fixed to the second negative electrode current collector 8 b. Alternatively, the internal insulating member 12 may be fixed to the second negative electrode current collector 8 b as follows: forming a protrusion in the internal insulating member 12; forming an opening or cut for fixation in the second negative electrode current collector 8 b; inserting the protrusion of the internal insulating member 12 into the opening or cut for fixation in the second negative electrode current collector 8 b; and enlarging the diameter of the end of the protrusion of the internal insulating member 12.

Since the shape of the current collector protrusion 6 x in the first positive electrode current collector 6 a is different from the shape of the current collector protrusion 8 x the first negative electrode current collector 8 a, this configuration can assuredly avoid accidental connection between the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the second negative electrode current collector 8 b or between the first negative electrode current collector 8 a and the second positive electrode current collector 6 b.

The current collector protrusion 6 x in the first positive electrode current collector 6 a is formed such that the major axis of the current collector protrusion 6 x extends in the transverse direction of the sealing plate 2. The current collector protrusion 8 x in the first negative electrode current collector 8 a is formed such that the major axis of the current collector protrusion 8 x extends in the longitudinal direction of the sealing plate 2. Such a configuration can absorb a difference between the center-to-center distance between the current collector protrusion 6 x in the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the current collector protrusion 8 x in the first negative electrode current collector 8 a and the center-to-center distance between the current collector opening 6 y in the second positive electrode current collector 6 b and the electrode current collector opening 8 y in the second negative electrode current collector 8 b. This configuration can avoid the possibility of assembly defects in the case of positioning both on the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side and the possibility of low positional accuracy due to a failure of positioning on one electrode side in the case of positioning on the other electrode side.

The shape of the current collector protrusion 6 x in the first positive electrode current collector 6 a is preferably different from the shape of the current collector protrusion 8 x in the first negative electrode current collector 8 a. The current collector protrusion 6 x and the current collector protrusion 8 x preferably have a non-perfect circular shape and preferably have a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, or a track shape.

In the case where one of the current collector protrusion 6 x in the first positive electrode current collector 6 a and the current collector protrusion 8 x in the first negative electrode current collector 8 a has a major axis direction different from that of the other, the current interrupting mechanism is preferably provided on the positive electrode side, the major axis of the current collector protrusion 6 x in the first positive electrode current collector 6 a preferably extends in the transverse direction of the sealing plate 2, and the major axis of the current collector protrusion 8 x in the first negative electrode current collector 8 a preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the sealing plate 2. This configuration can reduce a space occupied by the current collection part.

Production of Electrode Body

The positive electrode tabs 40 a, the positive electrode tabs 40 b, the negative electrode tabs 50 a, and the negative electrode tabs 50 b are bent such that the upper surface of the first electrode body element 3 a and the upper surface of the second electrode body element 3 b in FIG. 10 comes into contact with each other. Accordingly, the first electrode body element 3 a and the second electrode body element 3 b are combined together into one electrode body 3.

Assembly of Prismatic Secondary Battery

The electrode body 3 attached to the sealing plate 2 is covered with the insulating sheet 14 and inserted into the prismatic outer body 1. The insulating sheet 14 is preferably formed by bending a flat insulating sheet in a box shape or bag shape. The opening of the prismatic outer body 1 is closed by joining the sealing plate 2 and the prismatic outer body 1 by means of laser welding or the like. Subsequently, a non-aqueous electrolyte containing an electrolyte solvent and an electrolyte salt is injected through the electrolyte injection port 15 provided in the sealing plate 2. The electrolyte injection port 15 is sealed with the sealing plug 16.

Method for Producing Prismatic Secondary Battery

The above-described method can reduce the proportion of a space occupied by the current collection part including the positive electrode tabs 40, the first positive electrode current collector 6 a, the second positive electrode current collector 6 b, the negative electrode tabs 50, the first negative electrode current collector 8 a, the second negative electrode current collector 8 b, and other components, and can provide a secondary battery having a high volumetric energy density. According to the above-described configuration, there is provided a highly reliable secondary battery since a stack of a plurality of the tabs can stably and strongly be weld-connected to the second current collector.

Modification 1

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a sealing plate to which each component has been attached in a prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 1. FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the process connecting tab to second current collectors in the prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 1. The prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 1 differs from the prismatic secondary battery 20 according to the embodiment in the shapes of the first negative electrode current collector and the second negative electrode current collector.

In the prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 1, a current collector protrusion 108 x in a first negative electrode current collector 108 a is formed such that the major axis of the current collector protrusion 108 x extends in the transverse direction of the sealing plate 2. In the prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 1, a current collector opening 108 y in a second negative electrode current collector 108 b is formed such that the major axis of the current collector opening 108 y extends the transverse direction of the sealing plate 2. This configuration can further reduce a space occupied by the current collecting part.

The second negative electrode current collector 108 b has a current collector first recess 108 f around the current collector opening 108 y. Like the second negative electrode current collector 8 b, the second negative electrode current collector 108 b has target holes 108 e. A current collector second recess 108 w is formed in a surface of the first negative electrode current collector 108 a that faces the internal insulating member 12 and that is located on the back side of the current collector protrusion 108 x.

Modification 2

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a sealing plate to which each component has been attached in a prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 2. FIG. 16 is a sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the sealing plate to which each component has been attached. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view illustrating the first positive electrode current collector, the second positive electrode current collector, the current interrupting mechanism, and the surrounding area in FIG. 16. The prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 2 differs from the prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 1 in the shapes of the first positive electrode current collector, the second positive electrode current collector, and the first insulating member.

In Modification 2, a first positive electrode current collector 106 a has a current collector protrusion 106 x in a region under a deformation plate 62 (a region adjacent to electrode body 3). A second positive electrode current collector 106 b has a tab connection region 106 b 1 to which positive electrode tabs are connected, a linkage region 106 b 2 extending downward (toward the electrode body 3) from an end of the tab connection region 106 b 1, and a current collector connection region 106 b 3 extending horizontally from an end of the linkage region 106 b 2. The current collector connection region 106 b 3 has a current collector opening 106 y. The edge of the current collector opening 106 y is weld-connected to the current collector protrusion 106 x by means of laser welding or the like. This configuration can reduce a space occupied by the current collecting part.

The tab connection region 106 b 1 of the second positive electrode current collector 106 b is disposed so as to face an insulating member third region 163 z of a first insulating member 163. The linkage region 106 b 2 of the second positive electrode current collector 106 b is disposed so as to face an insulating member second region 163 y of the first insulating member 163. The first positive electrode current collector 106 a is disposed so as to face an insulating member first region 163 x.

Like the first positive electrode current collector 6 a, the first positive electrode current collector 106 a has a thin portion 106 c. The thin portion 106 c is weld-connected to the deformation plate 62. A current collector second recess 106 w is formed in a surface of the first positive electrode current collector 106 a that faces the first insulating member 163 and that is located on the back side of the current collector protrusion 106 x.

The second positive electrode current collector 106 b has a current collector first recess 106 f around the current collector opening 106 y. The second positive electrode current collector 106 b has an opening 106 z at a position facing an electrolyte injection port 15 in the sealing plate 2. The first insulating member 163 has an insulating member opening 163 b at a position facing the electrolyte injection port 15 in the sealing plate 2. An insulating member protrusion 163 c protruding downward is disposed at the edge of the insulating member opening 163 b.

The prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 2 differs from the prismatic secondary battery 20 according to the embodiment in the positions of fixation parts 70 at which the first insulating member 163 is fixed to the first positive electrode current collector 6 a. In the prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 2, as illustrated in FIG. 16, two fixation parts 70 are aligned with each other in the transverse direction of the sealing plate 2. The first insulating member 163 in the prismatic secondary battery according to Modification 2 differs from the first insulating member 63 in the prismatic secondary battery 20 according to the embodiment in the position at which the fixation protrusion is formed.

Others

The embodiment is an example where the electrode body 3 is composed of two electrode body elements 3 a and 3 b, but the configuration is not limited to this example. The electrode body 3 may be one stacked electrode body. The electrode body 3 may be one wound electrode body in which a long positive electrode plate and a long negative electrode plate are wound with a separator interposed therebetween. These two electrode body elements 3 a and 3 b are not necessarily stacked electrode bodies and may be wound electrode bodies in which a long positive electrode plate and a long negative electrode plate are wound with a separator interposed therebetween.

The connection between the first positive electrode current collector and the second positive electrode current collector and the connection between the first negative electrode current collector and the second negative electrode current collector are preferably performed by means of irradiation with an energy ray, such as a laser, an election beam, and an ion beam.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   20 Prismatic secondary battery -   100 Battery case -   1 Prismatic outer body -   2 Sealing plate

2 a Positive electrode terminal attachment hole

2 b Negative electrode terminal attachment hole

-   3 Electrode body

3 a, 3 b Electrode body element

-   4 Positive electrode plate

4 a Positive electrode core

4 b Positive electrode active material mixture layer

4 d Positive electrode protective layer

40, 40 a, 40 b Positive electrode tab

-   5 Negative electrode plate

5 a Negative electrode core

5 b Negative electrode active material mixture laver.

50, 50 a, 50 b Negative electrode tab

-   6 a First positive electrode current collector

6 a 1 Current collector first region

6 a 2 Current collector second region

6 a 3 Current collector third region

6 c Thin potion

6 d Fixation through-hole

6 w Current collector second recess

6 x Current collector protrusion

-   6 b Second positive electrode current collector

6 b 1 Tab connection region

6 b 2 Current collector connection region

6 e Target hole

6 f Current collector first recess

6 y Current collector opening

6 z Opening

6A Stepped part

-   7 Positive electrode external terminal

7 a Terminal sealing member

-   -   7 x Metal plate     -   7 y Rubber member

7 b Terminal through-hole

-   8 a First negative electrode current collector

8 w Current collector second recess

8 x Current collector protrusion

-   8 b Second negative electrode current collector

8 b 1 Tab connection region

8 b 2 Current collector connection region

8 e Target hole

8 f Current collector first recess

8 y Current collector opening

8A Stepped part

-   9 Negative electrode external terminal -   10 Internal insulating member -   11 External insulating member -   12 Internal insulating member -   13 External insulating member -   14 insulating sheet -   15 Electrolyte injection port -   16 Sealing plug -   17 Gas release valve -   60 Current interrupting mechanism

61 Conductive member

62 Deformation plate

-   63 First insulating member

63 a Fixation protrusion

63 b Insulating member opening

63 c Insulating member protrusion

63 x Insulating member first region

63 y Insulating member second region

63 z Insulating member third region

-   70 Fixation part -   90 Weld-connected part -   95 Welding jig -   106 a First positive electrode current collector

106 c Thin portion

106 w Current collector second recess

106 x Current collector protrusion

-   106 b Second positive electrode current collector

106 b 1 Tab connection region

106 b 2 Linkage region

106 b 3 Current collector connection region

106 f Current collector first recess

106 y Current collector opening

106 z Opening

-   108 a First negative electrode current collector

108 w Current collector second recess

108 x Current collector protrusion

-   108 b Second negative electrode current collector

108 y Current collector opening

108 e Target hole

108 f Current collector first recess

-   163 First insulating member

163 b Insulating member opening

163 c Insulating member protrusion

163 x Insulating member first region

163 y Insulating member second region

163 z Insulating member third region 

1. A method for producing a secondary battery including: an electrode body that includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate; an outer body that has an opening and houses the electrode body; a sealing plate that seals the opening; an external terminal that is attached to the sealing plate; a tab that is provided in the positive electrode plate or the negative electrode plate; and a first current collector and a second current collector that electrically connect the tab to the external terminal, the method comprising: a fixation step of electrically connecting the first current collector to the external terminal and fixing the first current collector to the sealing plate; a first connection step of weld-connecting a stack of a plurality of the tabs to the second current collector; and a second connection step of connecting the first current collector to the second current collector after the fixation step and the first connection step.
 2. The method for producing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the first connection step involves stacking 20 or more of the tabs on the second current collector and welding the tabs to the second current collector with the tabs and the second current collector sandwiched between welding jigs from two sides in a stacking direction of the tabs, and the second connection step involves welding the first current collector to the second current collector by means of irradiation with an energy ray.
 3. The method for producing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the first connection step involves weld-connecting the tabs to the second current collector by means of ultrasonic welding or resistance welding.
 4. The method for producing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the second current collector has a tab connection region substantially parallel to the sealing plate, and the tabs are weld-connected to the tab connection region.
 5. The method for producing a secondary battery according to claim 1, further comprising: an electrode-body-element-production step of producing a first electrode body element including the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate and a second electrode body element including the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, wherein the first connection step involves placing the first electrode body element on one side of the second current collector, connecting the tabs of the first electrode body element to the second current collector, placing the second electrode body element on the other side of the second current collector, and connecting the tabs of the second electrode body element to the second current collector, and wherein the method further includes, after the second connection step, a step of combining the first electrode body element and the second electrode body element together into the electrode body and inserting the electrode body into the outer body.
 6. The method for producing a secondary battery according to claim 5, wherein, after the first electrode body element and the second electrode body element are combined together into the electrode body, and the electrode body is covered with an insulating sheet, the electrode body covered with the insulating sheet is inserted into the outer body.
 7. The method for producing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the first current collector has a current collector protrusion, the second current collector has a current collector queuing, and the second connection step involves inserting the current collector protrusion into the current collector opening and welding the current collector protrusion to an edge of the current collector opening.
 8. The method for producing a secondary battery according to claim 7, wherein an insulating member is disposed on a sealing plate side with respect to the first current collector, and a current collector recess is formed in a surface of the first current collector, the surface facing the insulating member and being located an a back side of the current collector protrusion.
 9. The method for producing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the fixation step involves fixing an insulating member to the sealing plate, and the second connection step involves fixing the insulating member to the second current collector and then weld-connecting the first current collector to the second current collector.
 10. The method for producing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the external terminal is a positive electrode external terminal, the tab is a positive electrode tab provided in the positive electrode plate, the first current collector is a first positive electrode current collector, the second current collector is a second positive electrode current collector, the secondary battery further includes: a negative electrode external terminal that is attached to the sealing plate; a negative electrode tab that is provided in the negative electrode plate; and a first negative electrode current collector and a second negative electrode current collector that electrically connect the negative electrode tab to the negative electrode external terminal, and the method comprises: a first step of electrically connecting the first negative electrode current collector to the negative electrode external terminal and fixing the first negative electrode current collector to the sealing plate; a second step of weld-connecting a stack of a plurality of the negative electrode tabs to the second negative electrode current collector; and a third step of connecting the first negative electrode current collector to the second negative electrode current collector after the first step and the second step.
 11. The method for producing a secondary battery according to claim 10, wherein the second step involves stacking 20 or more of the negative electrode tabs on the second negative electrode current collector and welding the negative electrode tabs to the second negative electrode current collector with the negative electrode tabs and the second negative electrode current collector sandwiched between welding jigs from two sides in a stacking direction of the negative electrode tabs, and the third step involves weld-connecting the first negative electrode current collector to the second negative electrode current collector by means of irradiation with an energy ray. 